Travelling with a pet

Travelling can be fun either when you're on a vacation or on a business trip, as you always manage to squeeze a little time to see the place and shop around.

Travelling can be fun either when you're on a vacation or on a business trip, as you always manage to squeeze a little time to see the place and shop around. However, with travelling comes meticulous packing, to keep you prepared for any unforeseen situations.

And if you're travelling with a pet, you need to take care of the special needs of your pet and prepare yourself for any pet emergencies. Here are some tips to smoothen your journey while travelling with your pet:

1. Firstly, you need to assess your pet. If your pet is young or old, or ill, they are in a delicate condition and thus, need extra care. In such situations, it's better to leave your pet in someone's care rather than make them travel.

2. Take your pet to the vet for a health check-up. Assess your pet's health, for any problems. Also discuss the destination, duration and the modes of travelling with your pet's vet, to see if its feasible and comfortable for your pet. Get the necessary vaccinations administered.

3. Do a bit of research to know if the hotel you're going to be staying, accepts pets. Whether there are any pet-friendly services or grooming facilities at the hotel or in the vicinity nearby. Also, find out if there are any special pet fees included, food arrangements for pets etc.

5. Try to make sure that your pet is well placed in the airplane carrier. It can be a difficult for your pet to travel all alone in a strange environment especially during long-hour flights.

6. Place toys or better still some sock or a kerchief, used by you i.e. play things. This will help your pet from feeling lonely in the carrier.

7. Paste your pet's name and more importantly your name, address and number on the carrier box in which your pet is in. In case of a loss of baggage, your pet will be returned to you.

8. Pets should not be given food and water immediately before a flight because they will feel the urge to relieve themselves during the journey, which won't be possible.

9. Just before beginning your journey, make your pet walk and run around. Take them for a run and some playtime, as they will be stationed in the carrier for the entire journey. Also, it will drain some of your pet's energy making it sleepy and calm during the journey.

10. Usually, a scared pet may defecate, urinate or even vomit. Therefore, place extra towels in their carrier.

11. Never place a leash in the crate or carrier because your pet might get entangled in it. TNN